Funeral Potatoes are that irresistible, creamy, cheesy potato casserole that instantly upgrades any family meal or gathering into something truly special. With a golden, buttery cornflake topping and a tender, savory filling, this dish is pure comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday table, a potluck, or just for a cozy night in, Funeral Potatoes deliver big flavors and smiles every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Funeral Potatoes is in its simple, classic ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From creamy soup to crispy cornflakes, these components harmonize to create a texture-rich, flavor-packed casserole that never disappoints.
- Frozen shredded hash browns (32 oz, thawed): The heart of the dish, these provide a tender, satisfying bite and soak up all the creamy flavors.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Lends a velvety base and savory depth—swap for cream of mushroom to keep it vegetarian.
- Sour cream (2 cups): Adds tang and creaminess, making every forkful rich but never heavy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey, golden perfection and brings that classic cheesy flavor everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Helps bind the casserole and adds a luscious buttery note throughout.
- Chopped yellow onion (1/2 cup): Sautéed flavor without the fuss, for an aromatic boost in every bite.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses subtle warmth and depth, balancing the richness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making each ingredient shine.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Crushed cornflakes (2 cups): The secret to that signature crunchy topping—don’t skip it!
- Butter for topping (2 tablespoons, melted): Tossed with cornflakes for an extra golden, crispy finish.
How to Make Funeral Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s nice and hot for even baking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This step is key, as it helps your Funeral Potatoes release beautifully from the pan and makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of melted butter, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is thoroughly blended and every potato strand is coated with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Spread into the Baking Dish
Transfer the potato mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This helps the casserole bake up with a uniform texture and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
In a separate small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss until the cornflakes are well-coated—this buttery crunch is what makes Funeral Potatoes so unforgettable!
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery cornflake topping evenly over the potato mixture. Pop the dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Allow it to cool slightly before serving—this helps the casserole set up perfectly.
How to Serve Funeral Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to your Funeral Potatoes. For a little extra flair, try a dash of paprika or even some crispy bacon bits for smoky crunch.
Side Dishes
Funeral Potatoes are a dream alongside classic mains like roast chicken, ham, or grilled steak. Pair them with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness, or serve with other potluck favorites for a true crowd-pleasing spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual ramekins make for a fun and elegant twist, perfect for dinner parties or holiday gatherings. Or scoop the casserole into mini muffin tins for bite-sized, handheld portions—ideal for brunches or potlucks where everyone wants a taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Funeral Potatoes keep wonderfully in the fridge. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next-day casserole just as tasty—if not more!
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer superstar. Assemble as directed but hold off on the cornflake topping. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight, add the topping, and proceed as usual for fresh, hot Funeral Potatoes any time.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also microwave single servings, but the oven will always restore that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Funeral Potatoes vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup or another vegetarian-friendly cream soup. You’ll still get all the creamy, savory goodness without the meat.
What’s the best way to crush the cornflakes?
Pour your cornflakes into a zip-top bag and crush them gently with a rolling pin or your hands. You want coarse crumbs, not powder, for that perfect crunchy topping.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
You can! Just peel and grate your potatoes, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible with a clean kitchen towel before using. This prevents the casserole from getting watery.
Can I add extra mix-ins?
Definitely. Diced ham, crispy bacon bits, sautéed bell peppers, or even a little hot sauce can take your Funeral Potatoes to the next level. Just fold them in with the other ingredients before baking.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
Be sure to add the cornflake topping right before baking, and bake uncovered. If freezing ahead, wait to add the topping until you’re ready to bake for the very best crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Funeral Potatoes, there’s no better time than now to bring this heartwarming classic to your table. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and turns any meal into a celebration—give it a try, and get ready for rave reviews from everyone who takes a bite!
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Funeral Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Funeral Potatoes is a creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole that is a beloved comfort food classic. Made with shredded hash browns, sour cream, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and topped with crunchy buttered cornflakes, this warm and hearty dish is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or family gatherings. It’s simple to prepare and bakes to golden, bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed shredded hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup melted butter, chopped yellow onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Spread the potato mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top for an even layer.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter until the cornflakes are well coated.
- Apply Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the potato casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and be easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian version instead of cream of chicken soup.
- For added flavor and texture, try mixing in cooked bacon bits or diced ham if not vegetarian.
- This dish is ideal for potlucks, holiday meals, or family gatherings because it serves well in large portions and reheats nicely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
